Meteorological Department warns of heavy rains in the next 1-2 days

BANGKOK, 14 July 2014 – The Meteorological Department has forecasted that heavy rains are set to strike across Thailand in the next 1-2 days. Meanwhile, in Nakhon Phanom Province, locals are facing trouble in their travelling after flash floods have destroyed a bridge in their locality.

Flash floods have eroded the footing of a bridge over a creek in Si Songkhram District, Nakhon Phanom province. The concrete bridge measures 50 meters long and around 8 meters wide. The flood waters have softened the soil surface near the bridge’s pillars, making it on the brink of collapse.

Locals have placed several sandbags around the area to obstruct the flow of water and to save the bridge. The road leading to the bridge is set to be closed temporarily if rains and strong currents continue, to reduce the likelihood of accidents.

In Satun province, strong waves have prevented locals from going into the sea. Fishermen are only able to set sail along the seashore using small boats to catch fish.

The Meteorological Department also reported that the southwestern monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand coupled with a low pressure cell covering northern region of Vietnam are set to cause heavy rains across the country.

Waves in the Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2 meters high. Fishermen and boat operators are advised to take caution before setting sail.